January 30, 2014 4:06pm ESTJanuary 30, 2014 4:06pm ESTRenee Fleming will make history when she performs the national anthem before Super Bowl XLVIII on Sunday. For the first time ever, an opera singer will take the biggest stage in sports.Renee Fleming(AP Photo)

NEW YORK -- Renee Fleming will make history when she performs the national anthem before Super Bowl XLVIII on Sunday. For the first time ever, an opera singer will take the biggest stage in sports.

Before the NFL just went to cavalcade of pop stars, and even a Charlie's Angel (Cheryl Ladd?) for the honor, marching bands, choirs and instrumentals were the norm.

The league has made some questionable Super Bowl entertainment decisions in the past, but this was a great one.

"It is surprising to me," Fleming said of the NFL selecting her. "In the history of the Super Bowl, there have been only very commercial artists.

"I applaud them for doing something really different this year."

The most memorable anthem so far during the NFL playoffs, captured by SN's Kami Mattioli, came before the 49ers-Panthers divisional game. Trumpeter Jesse McGuire made it more about the song than himself, and it provided a sweet Star-Spangled Banner.

Expect Fleming to hit it out if the park with her vocal talent. Every NFL fan who didn't know her before should be prepared for an emotional, patriotic moment—exactly what the anthem should be.